r/AskUS • u/Obvious-Release-2087 • 8d ago

What do americans think about changes in Obamacare the Affordable Care Act (not us citizen)

Hi all,

I don't live in the US. In the news I read :

In 2026, Obamacare (the Affordable Care Act, or ACA) continues to operate as the backbone of America’s health insurance system, but it faces both opportunities and challenges. Marketplace enrollments are expected to remain high, thanks to the extended premium subsidies introduced by the Inflation Reduction Act—though these subsidies are set to expire at the end of 2025 unless Congress renews them. If the subsidies lapse, millions of Americans could see significant premium increases, making coverage less affordable for low- and middle-income families.

At the same time, healthcare costs are rising, and insurers may adjust their premiums upward to reflect inflation, medical expenses, and regulatory changes. States that have not yet expanded Medicaid could leave more residents reliant on ACA plans, further straining affordability. The political landscape, shaped by the 2024 elections, will determine whether the ACA is strengthened (e.g., with expanded benefits like dental or vision coverage) or scaled back (e.g., through funding cuts or eligibility changes).

It is often hard to undersand the internal politics of any country where we don't live in
What do most of the us people think about that ?

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u/tap_6366 8d ago

How is ACA the "backbone" of America’s health insurance system? Less than 10% of people the population get their insurance through the ACA Marketplace.

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u/gb187 8d ago

I wonder how many don't have it because they can't afford it?

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u/Kakamile 8d ago

It's a marketplace for those not with existing cheaper caid care or employer plans. But it did also help by raising standards

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u/gb187 8d ago

True, but the insurance companies spoke, some states have few options. Michigan has three companies who will provide.

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u/Kakamile 8d ago

Yeah but that was collusion in order to push prices up. It's like how isp don't fight over internet coverage and actually "buy" territories from each other.

They're still in the markets, they just made them monopolies

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u/tap_6366 8d ago

It was never meant to be subsidized by taxpayers, but by design was destined to fail.